The security worker handbook: Ireland

Chapter 01

Your Irish guarding licence

Choose the sector and complete the PSA route.

The Private Security Authority licenses security work in the Republic of Ireland. For guarding, the current minimum training is QQI Level 4 Security Guarding Skills 4N20604 or an accepted equivalent. Door supervision uses a different award and licence sector.

Check the current application requirements, complete the qualification and submit the licence application with the requested identity and vetting information. Keep the licence and identification arrangements current. A UK SIA licence does not itself authorise PSA-regulated work.

• Choose the right sector before booking training.
• Confirm that the course leads to the accepted award.
• Check the issued licence and the applicable identity-badge requirements.

Official sources: Private Security AuthorityPrivate Security AuthorityLaw Reform CommissionPrivate Security Authority

Chapter 02

Prepare for QQI assessment

Build both theoretical understanding and practical skill.

The active QQI 4N20604 specification allocates 50% to a theory examination and 50% to a skills demonstration. Both must be passed. The assessor devises the assessment instruments within the validated programme.

The public specification gives grading bands, but it does not provide a universal question count or exam duration. This handbook’s original knowledge check helps revision. Your provider’s examination and observed skills assessment remain separate requirements.

• Ask your provider for the assessment brief and accessibility arrangements.
• Practise explaining the reason for a decision.
• Prepare for practical demonstrations as well as recall questions.

Official sources: Quality and Qualifications IrelandPrivate Security Authority

Chapter 03

The security role in Ireland

Protect people, prevent loss and communicate clearly.

A security worker contributes through presence, observation, access management and reporting. Your duties arise from the assignment and the relevant licence sector. The lawful boundary of an action remains important even when a client urgently requests it.

Read the site instructions before the first shift. Identify who authorises changes, when to call for support and which tasks require additional training. Explain your role accurately to visitors and preserve a calm professional manner.

• Know the supervisor and escalation route.
• Confirm the areas and systems you may access.
• Raise instructions that appear unsafe or unlawful.

Official sources: Law Reform CommissionQuality and Qualifications IrelandIrish Statute Book

Chapter 04

Access, consent and equality

Apply site rules fairly and with respect.

Explain access checks and apply lawful criteria consistently. A voluntary bag check needs a clear explanation and freely given co-operation. If a visitor refuses, follow the approved admission procedure and obtain support; avoid a forced search.

The Equal Status Acts address discrimination in services. Decisions need an objective basis and attention to accessibility. A person’s background, appearance or communication difficulty is an unreliable substitute for a relevant observed fact.

• Explain the check and available options.
• Use accessible communication.
• Record the reason for a disputed decision.

Official sources: Irish Statute BookQuality and Qualifications Ireland

Chapter 05

Legal boundaries and Garda assistance

Recognise when a matter needs public emergency services.

Private arrest under section 4 of the Criminal Law Act 1997 has conditions. These concern an arrestable offence and, for a private person, reasonable cause to suspect the person would otherwise avoid Garda arrest. A licence alone creates no general police power.

A person arrested under that provision by someone other than a Garda must be transferred to Garda custody as soon as practicable. Prioritise safety, seek Garda assistance and follow current training. This chapter provides legal orientation and contains no physical restraint instructions.

• Separate observation from suspicion.
• Request Garda help when the risk or legal basis is unclear.
• Record the facts and decisions accurately.

Official sources: Irish Statute BookAn Garda Síochána

Chapter 06

Calm communication and radio use

Give people a clear next step and colleagues a useful message.

Introduce yourself, listen and explain what you can do. Speak in a calm, understandable way and allow time for a response. When several workers attend, agree one lead communicator so the person receives a clear message.

Use the site’s radio call signs and procedures. State the location, incident and assistance needed. Confirm essential details and keep personal or sensitive information on authorised channels. Transferable UK communication examples need the site’s local terminology and procedures.

• Test the radio before relying on it.
• Describe behaviour and location clearly.
• Ask for clarification when a message is unclear.

Official sources: Quality and Qualifications IrelandIrish Statute BookData Protection Commission

Chapter 07

Notes, incidents and evidence

Make a reliable record that another person can understand.

As soon as it is safe, record the time, location, observations, actions and people involved. Separate your own observations from witness accounts. Explain an estimate or uncertainty and make corrections openly through the approved method.

Protect reports, photographs and other records against unauthorised access. Follow the site process for preserving CCTV or objects relevant to an incident. Record who receives an item and when it is transferred.

• Use factual descriptions.
• Attribute witness accounts.
• Keep records in authorised systems.

Official sources: Quality and Qualifications IrelandData Protection Commission

Chapter 08

CCTV and personal information

Respect the purpose and safeguards of the system.

CCTV images of identifiable people are personal data. The responsible organisation needs a lawful purpose, appropriate transparency, security and a retention policy. Your access should be limited to the authorised task.

Avoid copying footage to personal devices or sharing it socially. Route requests for access or disclosure through the designated process. Report accidental disclosure quickly so the organisation can assess what happened and take the required steps.

• Check why footage is needed before accessing it.
• Protect logins and restrict access.
• Follow retention and incident-preservation instructions.

Official sources: Data Protection Commission

Chapter 09

Emergencies and safe response

Know the plan, location and route for help.

Before the shift, find the exits, assembly point, alarm procedure and first-aid resources. Check arrangements for visitors who need assistance. Your employer must provide understandable, task-appropriate safety instruction.

In an emergency call 112 or 999 and request the relevant service. State the exact location, what has happened and immediate dangers. Follow the operator’s instructions and provide assistance within your training while maintaining your own safety.

• Know the site address and access instructions.
• Report blocked escape routes.
• Keep responders informed of missing people and known hazards.

Official sources: An Garda SíochánaIrish Statute BookIrish Statute Book

Chapter 10

Your working life and renewal

Keep the licence, skills and working arrangements current.

Renew before the PSA licence expires. The renewal process includes Garda vetting and can require foreign criminal-record evidence for relevant time abroad. Adding a sector needs its training evidence. The standard guarding licence term is three years.

Report hazards and damaged equipment, keep hours and pay records and ask about welfare checks for isolated work. The security-industry Employment Regulation Order covers specified workers and conditions. The WRC announces a pay-rate change from 28 September 2026; check the current rate and scope when assessing an offer.

• Track renewal and training dates.
• Check the applicable employment conditions.
• Use available support after a difficult incident.

Official sources: Private Security AuthorityPrivate Security AuthorityWorkplace Relations CommissionWorkplace Relations CommissionIrish Statute Book

Your assessment route

Ireland guarding knowledge check

16 original questions supporting QQI 4N20604 study. The provider’s theory examination and skills demonstration are separate; this activity has no invented national timer or question format.

This activity gives a study score without an official pass threshold. The QQI award requires both assessed components to be passed.

Other training and assessment requirements

QQI 4N20604: 50% theory examination and 50% skills demonstration. The provider sets the assessment instruments within its validated programme.

Before your shift

• Check the correct licence sector and validity.
• Read the assignment and handover.
• Test communication equipment and confirm support contacts.
• Know the site address, 112/999 route and emergency access.
• Locate exits, assembly points and first-aid resources.
• Use authorised records and CCTV processes.
• Report hazards and clarify unfamiliar tasks.
• Make a factual report and complete the handover.

Words you will use

PSA

Private Security Authority, the Irish private-security regulator.

QQI

Quality and Qualifications Ireland, the awarding and quality-assurance body.

Garda / Gardaí

A member / members of An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s police service.

Licence sector

The type of security activity covered by a PSA licence.

Skills demonstration

An assessment requiring a learner to demonstrate practical competence.

Personal data

Information relating to an identified or identifiable individual.

Post instructions

The site’s instructions for an assignment, subject to applicable law.

ERO

Employment Regulation Order: statutory pay and conditions for workers within its defined scope.

Official sources

Sources checked: 2026-09-20 · Next source review: 2026-09-28

1. Private Security Services Act 2004, revised

   Law Reform Commission · 2026-09-20 · Administrative consolidation updated 2025-10-31. Licensing sections 21–23, identification 29–30, production 35 and unlicensed work 37–38. The Irish Statute Book effects index was checked to 2026-06-24.

2. Criminal Law Act 1997, section 4

   Irish Statute Book · 2026-09-20 · Private arrest has conditions including arrestable offence and reasonable cause to suspect avoidance of Garda arrest; prompt Garda handover. Enacted text; obtain current legal advice on any incident.

3. DPC guidance on the use of CCTV

   Data Protection Commission · 2026-09-20 · Official DPC guidance on GDPR purpose, lawfulness, minimisation, transparency, security and retention. Images of identifiable people are personal data.

4. Garda: reporting an emergency or crime

   An Garda Síochána · 2026-09-20 · An Garda Síochána directs emergency callers to 112 or 999 and non-emergency reports to local stations.

5. Equal Status Act 2000, section 5

   Irish Statute Book · 2026-09-20 · Equality in goods/services. Read with amendments, applicable exceptions and accommodation duties.

6. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, section 10

   Irish Statute Book · 2026-09-20 · Employer instruction/training must be understandable, task-appropriate and adapted to new risks.

7. PSA: security guard (guarding)

   Private Security Authority · 2026-09-20 · Republic of Ireland guarding licence: three-year term. Door supervision is a separate sector.

8. WRC: security-industry pay update

   Workplace Relations Commission · 2026-09-20 · On 2026-09-20 the WRC homepage announced a rate of €16.15 per hour from 2026-09-28, increasing from €15.41. The future rate was not yet in force on the check date.

9. QQI Security Guarding Skills 4N20604 specification

   Quality and Qualifications Ireland · 2026-09-20 · Active NFQ Level 4 minor award. Theory examination 50%, skills demonstration 50%; both must be passed. The provider devises assessment instruments. A universal question count and duration are not specified.

10. PSA: employee licence renewal

    Private Security Authority · 2026-09-20 · Checked public source on 2026-09-20; follow the linked authority for later changes.

11. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, section 13

    Irish Statute Book · 2026-09-20 · Employee duties including reasonable care, co-operation, training and hazard reporting.

12. PSA standards required for licensing

    Private Security Authority · 2026-09-20 · Lists current sector standards and identity-badge guidance. Guarding and door supervision have their own requirements.

13. PSA: minimum training requirements

    Private Security Authority · 2026-09-20 · Current PSA page updated 2026-07-17: QQI 4N20604 for guarding, 4N20611 for door supervision, or accepted equivalents.

14. WRC: security industry employment conditions

    Workplace Relations Commission · 2026-09-20 · WRC summary of the 2024 and 2025 security-industry Employment Regulation Orders. Coverage and exceptions apply; a later pay change is announced separately.

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